As the winter months approach us, we may think it’s cold outside. However, Earth doesn’t have anything on planet Neptune.

Let’s discover some “cool” facts about this blue planet!

Did you know?

• Neptune is the eighth planet from the Sun. For this reason, it is extremely cold.
• The average temperature on Neptune is -214 degrees Celsius (-353 degrees fahrenheit).
• Neptune is 2,793 million miles from the Sun. It is 2,700 million miles away from Earth.
• This planet is one of the Gas Giants. It is made of layers of 29% helium, 80% hydrogen, and traces of methane gas. It does not have a solid surface but is thought to have a solid core. The core is about the size of Earth.
• Neptune is also sometimes called an “Ice Giant.” This is because it has an inner layer of water, ammonia, and methane ice.
• Like the “storm spot” on Jupiter, Neptune also has one. It is about the size of Earth.
• It takes 164.8 Earth years for Neptune to orbit the Sun. That is a whopping 60,190 earth days! This makes it the slowest planet to move around the Sun. In fact, in 2011 it completed its first full journey around the Sun since Neptune was first discovered in 1846.
• Neptune was named after the Roman god of the Sea. This is because of its blue ocean-like color.
• Even though Neptune is a slow-mover around the Sun, it spins faster on its axis than Earth. On day on Neptune lasts 18 hours.

Isn’t this cold planet “sizzling” with cool facts? Tell us what you think in the comments section.